Student rant

This is from Jayme from Mayfield.

This week it's my turn to do the rant. I could choose from thousands of topics to discuss but then we'd be here all day wasting time idly talking about matters that most likely won't change. However, I think I might have thought of one issue that I'd like to get off of my chest. I've decided to refer to my faith as inspiration for my rant. This week's topic? Exaggerated stereotypes, particularly Christians in the media. Sure, we all love to crack a joke here and there about stereotypes. The blonde makes a mistake in math class and she's instantly another "dumb blonde." A particular Republican supports the war, then suddenly all others are deemed "war mongering." You have those claiming to be "religious" and then use their faith to defend their wrongdoings. (Fred Phelps ring a bell, anyone?)

And who's to say we are so wrong for just assuming that the majority is like the examples that make the news? As a Christian, it not only saddens me to see people claiming their faith in sucha a hypocritical way, but it makes me sick as well. But of course, those who actually follow through with their beliefs aren't "interesting" enough to news. No, you need the scandals about the priests coming out of the closet, or money being stolen from a church's account for it to be considered exciting.

Today, news thrives on cynicism and negativity. Our whole country is about to rip apart based on political ideals and our constant need to be right. This is why when someone witnesses and injustice, like one of my previous examples, they feel compelled to publish it and cause even more controversy. I cannot tell you how many people have given me a hard time for what I believe in. But America's view of Christianity has been so twisted by the media. Here's a faith that preaches love, not hate. Yet all you see and hear about is the hate.

And I'm not saying everyone has to believe the same thing. To each his own. But we need to start standing up and say enough is enough. People need to think for themselves, instead of what the media says is true of things. I know people are smarter than that. Sadly, we've become afraid to use our voices for what's positive, and more importantly, what's really true. Even outside of topics such as religion, this injustice happens. Politically, I consider myself to be a Libertarian. And yes, sometimes I get sickened by the extremes on both the left and the right. Does this mean I assume everyone under those political affiliations is like that? No! And if I notice someone wrongly accusing another of falling under that minority, I say something about it!

The media needs a make-over and pronto. Regardless of the topic, stereotypes are not helping our society. All they do is push us farther and farther apart. And is that what we really want? I sure don't.